My Oh My How Time Does Fly

Today we are celebrating Little Pope's 1st Birthday!  I wrote him a letter instead of buying him a card, and in a rare moment of open emotion I am sharing some of it today.

My Dearest Little Pope,

Today we are celebrating your very first birthday!  I am so happy that I have been given the chance to call you my son.  I can’t help remember, though, how just one year ago today your father and I were trying to prepare for your unexpected early arrival.  The situation was urgent and we were very concerned for your health, as well as mine.  You were so small, but such a fighter when you were born.  

At the time 3 weeks in the NICU seemed like eternity, but now it is just a quick glimpse in time.  Some day you will see the pictures of a very fragile-looking you, and I will probably cry when I explain everything, but know that I, along with your father, was there every day and spent as much time as I could holding you and telling you how much I loved you.  We were so blessed, though, to be given such a beautiful son with just a touch of our hard-headness!  It is what has allowed you to ‘catch-up’ during your first year.

Every day that I see your handsome smiling face I am so amazed at how far you have come from that tiny little preemie.  When you were born you were not even on the growth charts and now you are in the 75th percentile for height, the 50th for you head, and well your weight is below the 5th, but that is not a bad thing!  You are the perfect combination of Daddy’s tall, thin body and Mama’s devastating good looks!  You are going to break hearts with those beautiful blue eyes you carry around like your own secret weapons. And your smile and little voice melt my heart on a daily basis. 

Over the past year I learned so much about myself through being your mom.  I never knew I could fall in love with someone instantaneously or how selfless I could be when it came to you.  I love you more than life itself, and you truly are my heart.  I also learned that the small stuff did not matter as long as you were healthy and happy! 

Your amazing journey has only just begun and I am so excited to see what the future holds for you as well as our family.  There will be a few bumps along the road of life, but know that your father and I are here to help you whatever you may need.  There are so many life experiences we can’t wait to share with you.  And though it makes me sad that you are growing up way too fast, I love watching you discover new things and the evolution of your charming personality.

Happy 1^st birthday, my sweet boy, the best is yet to come!

With all my love,

Your Mama